Oatmeal

Cold weather always finds me reaching for oatmeal, one of my favorite comfort foods. My mother cooked steaming bowls of old fashioned Quaker Oats for us when I was a kid. The “instant” oats I had this morning weren’t quite as good, but still warm and soothing. And if you like peanut butter, try putting a teaspoon in your oatmeal. I promise you’ll love it!

I was thinking about oatmeal the other day when I went shopping. Mom used to look for oatmeal, soap, cereal and other products that had “bonuses” or “gifts” in them. We got glasses, cups, bowls, spoons, and towels inside “specially marked boxes”. I loved to help her look for the soap that Dolly Parton advertised on television. I can’t even recall what brand it was, but the towels inside were pretty.

Products change every time I go to the store. Last week my laundry soap had disappeared and been replaced by a new “concentrated” version in a new container. No one asked me if I was unhappy with the old version, but I guess it doesn’t matter. I’ll just use the new one and be quiet.

And I guess “steam in the bag” is going to be the new standard in frozen vegetables because it’s getting more and more difficult to find anything else. I like the fresher quality, but I’m not crazy about the higher price. But again, fewer choices means I’m going to buy them.

I’ve drifted off the path. I started out thinking about winter food and how much I enjoy oatmeal and soup and pasta and hot chocolate and all those winter comfort foods. I didn’t mean to get distracted by all the changes at the supermarket. And don’t get me started on crustless bread or yogurt in a tube or pre-cooked bacon. We won’t even recognize the “food” consumed by our great-great grandchildren.

Well, I’m off to make some hot chocolate. I have a few questions for you first:

1.      Did your mom ever make cooked rice (with butter and sugar) for breakfast?

2.      Did your mom make butter and sugar sandwiches for you after school?

3.      Did your mom make buttermilk biscuits every day?

4.      Did your mom make cinnamon oatmeal cookies?

5.      Did your mom make hot chocolate with real cocoa?

If you answered “yes” at least three times then you’re old…and you had a great Mom!

Comments

[Donna]

Just dropping by your site! I love homey, family ones. And yes, Mama did fix me a few of those things! Fun memories..thanks!